Universal Orlando to hire 3,500 new workers

Gov. Rick Scott announces new jobs at news conference

ORLANDO, Fla. - Universal Orlando Resort on Friday announced it will hire nearly 3,500 newteam members during 2014.

The new jobs, which will be in a wide range of managerial, professional, high-tech, guest service and other positions, will be permanent positions due to growth across Universal Orlando's entire destination, according to Universal officials.

Florida Governor Rick Scott announced the new jobs Friday during a news conference at Universal Orlando following a tour of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley construction site.

Universal Orlando is also opening a new, 1,800-room hotel called the Cabana Bay Beach Resort later this year. The new hotel will be Universal Orlando's fourth on-site hotel and will feature 900 family suites and 900 standard guest rooms.

Universal's CityWalk will get eight new venues to the entertainment complex in 2014, officials said.